📍FamilyFriend, Seattle

I heard enough. I had to go. FamilyFriend is a nondescript bar in Seattle that went viral on TikTok. I'm not a TikTok person, so I couldn't tell you why it went viral. I heard enough about it from friends who are TikTok users that I thought I should check it out. There wasn't much info about them online besides the virality of the burger. It feels intentional in how low-key they are, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

They opened at 5, so I made plans to be there at 5 on a Wednesday, hoping that I wouldn't have to wait in line. As I walked over from the light rail, I saw others doing the same walk and walking in. There was no line, but there was also no sign on the building. It's a freestanding building. I would have walked right by if Google Maps hadn't been updating me through my AirPods. Even then, I wasn't sure it was the right place, but I noticed an A-frame sign on the sidewalk indicating it was a bar, so I figured I'd go in.

Right in front as you walk in is a dining area, and to the right, there's a bar area in a semi-separated room. There are windows, but they're heavily tinted so you can't see through them. Generally, when I think "viral on TikTok," I expect a crowd, line, or chaos, but this was the opposite. Most of the bar seats were empty, as were most of the tables in the dining area. I spoke to the host about sitting at the bar, and I was obliged.

I started with the Lola. I don't love sweet cocktails, and this was one of the few that didn't feel like it would be sweet from my look at the menu. The Lola includes Bimini Coconut Gin, Cochi di Torino, and scallions. This is a cousin to a martini. The gin is fat-washed with coconut oil, and it brings the flavor front and center. The vermouth adds some island-like spice to the coconut flavors of the gin. I can promise it's unlike a martini you've had elsewhere, and I appreciate the attempt to tie the drink into the Guamanian theme.

I came for the burger and ordered it as I did. It comes with truffle fries, which they tell you are made with truffle oil. It's the default option and only option, though I did not press the matter. I generally avoid truffle fries because they're made with truffle oil, which I find artificial. I'm all for the chef's vision, however. These fries were thin, crispy, and hot. Thankfully, the truffle oil was pretty high quality, so while I don't feel it added anything, it also didn't take away from otherwise excellent fries.